British Transport Police are investigating after two passengers were subjected to racial abuse and inappropriate sexual comments on a Shropshire train.

The incident took place between 6.35pm and 7pm on Saturday, 17 September, as the service was travelling between Craven Arms and Shrewsbury.

Investigating officer PC Neil James said: “A man who was banging on the window of the train at Craven Arms station boarded the service and immediately singled out a passenger for verbal abuse. After first asking him if he was gay, he then told the victim – who was French – to ‘go back to your country’ before threatening him with violence.

“A woman remonstrated with the man over his use of inflammatory language only to be subjected to aggressive and inappropriate sexual comments.

“This was a nasty and entirely unprovoked incident involving two completely innocent passengers. Both victims feared for their safety during the exchange and were left in some distress by what had happened.

“Everyone has the right to use the rail network without fear of abuse, intimidation or violence. While incidents of this nature are rare, when they do occur, we will do all we can to track down those responsible.”

Following extensive enquiries, our officers have managed to isolate a CCTV image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with this incident. He is described as white, in his early to mid-20s, around 5ft 6in, clean shaven with short, curly brown hair. It is believed he got off a train at Shrewsbury and headed towards the town centre with a group of men.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 458 of 17/09/2016. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.